Wetsuit and wetsuit material

Abstract

A wetsuit is composed multiple panels sewn together in edge-to-edge relationship, each panel comprising a highly stretchable base fabric sandwiched between an outer and inner layer of synthetic rubber, the outer synthetic rubber layer is dense and tough, providing protection against damage by abrasion, while the inner synthetic rubber layer is thicker and less dense, providing the material with a good insulating ability. The outer layer is thinner than the inner layer to compensate for the higher elastic modulus of the denser outer layer, so that the layers stretch uniformly. A thin, colored, chloroprene adhesive coating is provided on the outside of the outer layer, and the outer layer is embossed with a mesh pattern The seams are blind-stitched through the base fabric from the outside. Because the stretchable fabric is on the inside of the wetsuit material, the wetsuit dries rapidly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from provisional application No. 60 / 509,124, filed Oct. 6, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to wetsuits, that is, exposure suits, for diving and aquatic sports, and more particularly to an improved wetsuit material. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A conventional wetsuit is typically composed of a foamed synthetic rubber layer, usually neoprene, covered on both faces by layers of fabric, usually woven or knit from yarns composed of a nylon / lycra blend. The fabric layers absorb significant quantities of water, and drying a wetsuit after use is a frustrating and inconvenient process. It commonly takes up to eight hours or longer for the external fabric layer to dry completely. Many divers dry their suits in the sun to speed up the drying process. However in doing so, they risk damage to their suits due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Others have attempted to machine dry thei...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] An object of this invention is to provide a wetsuit that dries rapidly, thereby eliminating the problem of ultraviolet and high temperature damage, the problem of packing a suit in luggage while it is still wet, the problem of finding a suitable drying space on a boat, and the problems of theft, fabric deterioration and pilling. Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid-drying wetsuit that resists damage to its exterior surface by abrasion, but which exhibits stretch characteristics comparable, or superior, to those of conventional wetsuits.

[0009] The outer face should be embossed with a pattern, preferably a mesh pattern giving the outer face an appearance as if it included a woven fabric. The embossed pattern prevents the outer surface of the wetsuit material from being excessively slippery, so that the friction between the outer face and objects in contact with it is increased.

[0012] The wetsuit material in accordance with the invention decreases the wetsuit's drying time from hours to minutes while improving warmth, durability, comfort and ease of use.

[0013] The base fabric, which is preferably a high-stretch nylon / lycra blend, contributes to the strength and durability of the wetsuit material, but is isolated from water by the inner and outer synthetic rubber layers. Elimination of the exterior fabric avoids retention of water, enabling the material to dry rapidly, and also eliminates the problem of pilling and exterior fabric damage due to abrasion, ultraviolet exposure, and other causes.

[0014] The dense outer layer of synthetic rubber, resists damage due to abrasion, while the less dense inner layer contributes to the warmth afforded by the wetsuit. Both layers protect the base fabric from contact with water. Because the outer layer of synthetic rubber is thinner than the inner layer of synthetic rubber, and the inner layer has a lower elastic modulus, both layers exhibit similar stretching characteristics, and stretch uniformly along with the base fabric. Consequently, the wetsuit material stretches as if it were composed of a single layer of synthetic rubber.

Problems solved by technology

The fabric layers absorb significant quantities of water, and drying a wetsuit after use is a frustrating and inconvenient process.

However in doing so, they risk damage to their suits due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

However wetsuits are not capable of withstanding dryer temperatures, and are seriously damaged by machine drying.

Wetsuit manufacturers warn against machine drying and limit their warranties accordingly.

However, drying a wetsuit in this manner is not practical, especially since most wetsuit use is by sport divers who are traveling.

Packing a wet exposure suit in luggage is never convenient.

Moreover, many vacationers' wetsuits are stolen when hung out to dry overnight.

In the case of live-aboard diving from a boat, finding an suitable space to hang a suit is often impossible.

Another problem encountered in the case of a conventional wetsuit, is that the outer fabric layer is subject to deterioration due to abrasion.

This deterioration is characterized by pilling, and is a major source of complaint by wetsuit users.

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